() The Texas House passed a bill earlier this week with a focus on restricting the use of abortion medication in the state.
The legislation, referred to as a “bounty-hunting scheme” by the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, proposes that individuals connected to an abortion can sue doctors, distributors, and manufacturers nationwide for $100,000. Moreover, anyone in contact with the medication could be held accountable.
Even individuals who had nothing to do with the abortion can take legal action.
“H.B. 7 exports Texas’ extreme abortion ban far beyond state borders,” said Blair Wallace, ACLU of Texas.
“It will instill fear among manufacturers and providers across the country, promote surveillance among community members regarding one another’s reproductive choices, further alienate pregnant Texans, and penalize those who support them.”
Following the introduction of the state’s abortion ban, the risk of pregnancy in Texas has increased for women. ProPublica disclosed a 50% rise in sepsis rates among women hospitalized after losing their pregnancies in the second trimester.
“H.B. 7 would be particularly detrimental to rural Texans, who already endure significant barriers to healthcare access, including abortion,” remarked Kamyon Conner from the Texas Equal Access Fund. “In numerous regions of the state, clinics have ceased operations, hospitals are distant, and public transportation options are sparse or unavailable.”
